Greetings from Mid-Michigan – The Great Lakes State!
Nothing is more important than FAMILY & UNION!
I’ve loved being the BA for Local 85. I completed a Bachelors in Labor Management thinking it would benefit our Local. I hope the new BA will take classes in Labor, they are a necessity with today’s management. People I’ve been thinking of: Hersheal Thomas (Local 36 retired) my first mechanic, a good man and a great teacher. Teri VanHorn, office manager, my right arm. She knows more about the contract than anyone. She loves the IUEC and all the members of our Local. Rick VanHorn, went into management and Karlee VanHorn went to college, but they made time to help with special meetings or to help on the building. They’re a great example of an IUEC family. There are many other members and families involved; too many to list. Our Local cares about families and our families care about their Local. Gerry Richmond (retiree) worked on the building almost every Friday for a year, Tony Worth (President) & Jordan Miller (E-Board Chairman) volunteered anytime we needed help. They went to meetings without pay to be involved in everything the Local does. Retired Local 85 BA Andy Schirk was a great help when I started as the agent and he is a good friend now as well. If I didn’t mention you in this article it’s only because I couldn’t list all the amazing people I have met throughout the years. We have the best teachers in the IUEC, WE DO! (I’m a little bias). The Tri-State is a great group of locals that meet quarterly. Many of the Tri-State Business Agents have retired and new agents have been added. I am honored to have known them. Retired Regional Director Dale Coalmer worked hard for our Local. Dale and I became very good friends and I hope he enjoys retirement every day. Our new Regional Director Kevin McGettigan is working hard for the Local as well. Work Preservation supports our local every year by doing classes; TEAM, RLP, IAP and even code classes. Organizers came in to do what I couldn’t, organize, I don’t like non-Union until they become UNION. NEIEP cares about our training and assists us in being the highest trained, so we can demand high wages and amazing benefits. TAKE CLASSES AND KEEP TAKING THEM! Our General Officers Frank, Jim and Larry have a big job in keeping our International strong. Keep them informed of what is going on and what we need as members to remain strong. Our Union is only as strong as its members, so stay involved and if you aren’t involved get involved. I could go on and on but I am limited to the amount of words. I love our union and am very happy the membership allowed me to make changes and try new things. Lastly, it’s been an HONOR to be the Business Agent for Local 85 for twelve years, I wish every one the best. Please be safe, I want all of you to retire and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
Bill Kogelschatz
Dates to remember:
March 15, 2018 JAC Meeting
March 21, 2018 Marquette Union Meeting
March 22, 2018 Gaylord Union Meeting
March 27, 2018 Union Meeting – New officers are sworn in
NEIEP:
Get involved!
Golden Rail Club:
Kalamazoo: 3.7.2018 First Wednesday at 10:00 am, Theo & Stacey’s
Grand Rapids: 3.19.2018 Third Monday at 9:00 am, New Beginnings, 1455 Michigan Street, NE, Grand Rapids
Lansing: 3.21.2018 Third Wednesday at 9:00 am, Zeus’ Restaurant, 6525 Pennsylvania, Lansing
Keeping You Informed:
Web site: iuec85.org
E-Mail: teri@iuec85.org
Phone: 517.882.0100
Address:
IUEC Local 85
15694 S. Old US 27
Lansing, MI 48906
